South Devon Railway (heritage railway)

The South Devon Railway is a heritage railway operating along part of the former Great Western Railway's branch line between Totnes and Buckfastleigh in Devon, England. It is operated by the South Devon Railway Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving and operating the line as a living museum of the steam railway era.

The line originally opened in 1872 as part of the Buckfastleigh, Totnes and South Devon Railway. It was later absorbed by the Great Western Railway and subsequently became part of British Railways. The line closed to passenger services in 1958 and to goods traffic in 1962.

The South Devon Railway Trust was formed in 1969 and began the process of restoring the line. The railway reopened to passengers in 1969 between Buckfastleigh and a temporary station at Totnes Riverside. The connection to the main line at Totnes was restored in 1990, allowing passengers to connect with National Rail services.

The railway operates a regular timetable of steam-hauled passenger trains, offering visitors a scenic journey through the Devon countryside. The South Devon Railway also hosts special events throughout the year, including galas, enthusiast weekends, and Santa Specials. The railway's locomotive fleet includes a variety of preserved steam locomotives, and it also maintains a collection of historic carriages and wagons. The line features several notable features, including the Riverford Bridge and Littlehempston station. The South Devon Railway plays an important role in preserving railway heritage and providing a tourist attraction in the region.